Del woke up in the safe room. He assumed that Steel would be outside. He was correct. The man was REALLY good. He found himself wishing he'd had him on his payroll. He could get away, but he decided on another course of action.

After getting dressed, we went down to get a taxi. He had it take him back to The Crow. That should confuse them a little. He needed to get some room to breathe.

Steel would be confused now. Hopefully. Or he'd break into the apartment. That seems more his method. No need to plan for now. There was a message on the radio in the taxi.

"Cut the meter and bring the car in."

"Well, Stu", Del addressed the driver, "Seems our friend took the bait."

"Indeed he did. What should we do now?"

I'm still going back to The Crow. This should today Demetrius at least a little. Steel can't even follow one aging old man."

"Just be careful sir. You seem to be starting to enjoy this. You always told me the game was addicting and I know how hard you had to work to get out. "

Del's moment of not lessened as it sink in that Stu might be right.

"You know, Stu, I'm glad you don't charge your wisdom. I don't believe any price would ever be enough."

"Thank you sir. I'm here for you as always."

Del considered himself lucky to have all of his people.

"Let's switch cars and get back to the safe house. I need some information and I think Kari might have more answers than she realizes."

Del had a hunch but he needed more pieces of the puzzle. Reactions were much more telling than words.

*

Steel got into the apartment with ease. There's no way that old man was up to anything. He may as well left the door unlocked. Then again, he had no idea that someone professional was trailing him. He checked all the major hiding places. There was nothing. Some books. A couple of receipts. A lottery ticket. A bottle of expensive bourbon but it had most likely been a gift. This entire...